Bend, Oregon - Day 2

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has closed a lot of places, we figured another hike would be a great way to spend the day. We headed back to the Cascade Range west of Bend to complete the 9.1 mile Green Lakes Trail. This is not a very difficult trail in terms of elevation gain, but it is a bit longer than what we typically choose. It was another gorgeous hike that followed a river for much of the way with tons of wildflowers at every turn. We made it to Green Lake where we sat along the shore, ate a snack, and enjoyed the view of the South Sister Mountain.

This hike had it all - waterfalls, wildflowers, and mountains!

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Jim wished I had picked a shorter hike

Wildflowers everywhere!

A river crossing

More wildflowers!

Our first view of the South Sister Mountain

I couldn't stop taking pictures of the flowers

Green Lake with the South Sister in the distance

Before heading back to our campsite, we stopped at the High Desert Museum just south of Bend. This museum is very well done with indoor displays covering the Native Americans who originally inhabited the region as well as the Oregon Trail. Inside, there are also several wildlife habitats for porcupines, foxes, turtles, snakes, and fish. Outside, there is a replica of a pioneer village with a sawmill, cabin, and barn. We also walked through the aviary area that houses a golden eagle, bald eagle, and several types of owls.

The sawmill replica at The High Desert Museum

The pioneer village